Fuel line - cracked and dried out

[emmydotnet]

My 1991 560sel has the fuel line from the fuel distributor to the feeder line all cracked and dried out. P/N 1264703575. This is an expensive part. Is there any shop that could re-graft a reinforced rubber fuel hose into the existing steel lines? I am thinking this could be a less expensive solution.

[lsmalley]

26 year old part....Even if it was say $600, that would still cost you only $1.90+ a month overall, vs having something done second hand and suffering the consequences should it fail. Plus, its a critical part, best not to mess around and just suck it up. Same with brakes and steering. These parts are critical and should be replaced with good quality parts

[Rick76]

Perhaps a company that makes up hydraulic hoses could repair your fuel lines. I know some will rebuild A/C lines so maybe fuel as well.
The cracking of the outside of your lines might be just cosmetic. Usually the fuel hose has multiple layers, the outer being for abrasion resistance. Possibly someone with first hand experience can advise.

[Ferdman]

Call the Parts Department at MB of Cincinnati for a price. I have received good deals from them in the past. As mentioned, you don't want to try to save a few bucks and have an under-hood fire.

[slk230red]

Originally Posted by emmydotnet

My 1991 560sel has the fuel line from the fuel distributor to the feeder line all cracked and dried out. P/N 1264703575. This is an expensive part. Is there any shop that could re-graft a reinforced rubber fuel hose into the existing steel lines? I am thinking this could be a less expensive solution.

I would check around to get it re-crimped with a new hose. At least the part is available.

FUEL HOSE. FUEL LINES made by Mercedes Benz. #1264703575

[PARSHOOT1]

Emmydotnet PM me. I have a really good hydraulic hose guy that might be able to fabricate one.....as originally suggested by Rick76. If my guy can't do it, he'll know someone who can.

[emmydotnet]

Originally Posted by Rick76

The cracking of the outside of your lines might be just cosmetic. Usually the fuel hose has multiple layers, the outer being for abrasion resistance. Possibly someone with first hand experience can advise.

that is what i think too. but with the outside disintegrating it does not feel safe to ignore.

[emmydotnet]

Originally Posted by lsmalley

26 year old part....Even if it was say $600, that would still cost you only $1.90+ a month overall, vs having something done second hand and suffering the consequences should it fail. Plus, its a critical part, best not to mess around and just suck it up. Same with brakes and steering. These parts are critical and should be replaced with good quality parts

Point well taken. however, I am not implying to use low quality parts. Fuel hose is no high tech. it has been around for many, many years. It is not surprising if other more improved fabrication methods are now possible compared with 25 years ago.

[Ritchie]

Originally Posted by emmydotnet

that is what i think too. but with the outside disintegrating it does not feel safe to ignore.

I am in the same boat. The inner line on mine is holding it's own and not leaking. It's just the outer layer that has come undone in a small section.

I do plan on replacing the line with the MB part - damn the hi price but it is worth it to buy the best part possible here. For the time being I will carry a fire extinguisher with me. I did add some insulation to the damaged section just to protect the inner line until I get the $$$$$$$$$$$ to fix it. It has been a year now and the ole line is still hanging in there. I only drive the car once a week though. About 60 miles per week.

[Ferdman]

Instead of buying the fuel line assembly, you could pursue buying a new piece of fuel line from a MB dealer and having the existing fittings installed by a hydraulic hose shop. Do some research and see if a hydraulic hose shop can reuse the existing fittings.

[Rick76]

Make sure that the hydraulic shop knows that the working pressure of the fuel system is close to 100 psi.